New Yorker cartoon: Obama as terrorist in White House

Barack Obama’s campaign says a satirical New Yorker magazine cover showing the Democratic presidential candidate dressed as a Muslim and his wife as a terrorist is “tasteless and offensive.” The illustration on the new issue, titled “The Politics of Fear,” depicts Barack Obama wearing traditional Muslim garb — sandals, robe and turban — and his wife, Michelle — dressed in camouflage, combat boots and an assault rifle strapped over her shoulder — standing in the Oval Office. An American flag is burning in the fire place. Do you think this is satire that works, or backfires? (Read the story.)

Let’s change the picture a bit and have Obama hanging from a tree with a bunch of hooded white men gathered around with torches… Wouldn’t that be satirical also?

This is an outrage and should be pulled immediately. It is doing nothing but extending the lies that the right-wingers have fabricated against Obama. This isn’t even politics any more, it’s pure intolerant hatred.

JKIR

I don’t think it really is particularly harmful. It draws attention to the silliness of the people who buy into those stereotypes. Sometimes the best way to deal with stereotypes is to attack them head-on. I think Obama needs to worry more about the damage to his image by trying to do things that are so over the top that they seem almost comical. For instance, trying to imitate Kennedy with his speech at the wall in Germany, a football stadium at the convention, etc. That sort of stuff is just making him look like a wannabe. I can’t believe the Denver town fathers are letting him do the stadium thing. It will be chaos and a total disaster! Fans mixed with protestors? Book the National Guard now!

Jina

Considering people are talking about the cover and not the actual story (which I’ve heard is pro-Obama), I’d say it definitely backfired. The problem is, this wasn’t satire to a lot of people, it was a re-affirming of their beliefs about the rumors surrounding Obama. All it really did was generate a lot of publicity for the New Yorker, which is probably all they really wanted to begin with.

Tashia

This is infuriating. “Pure intolerant hatred” seems to be the only thing fueling this country anymore, and The New Yorker perpetuating this ignorance is completely irresponsible. Two thumbs down!

T.J.

People keep bringing up the reasoning for the cartoon is America is not ready for a black president. Hello!!! that’s not it and I don’t know why everyone keeps missing this point. It’s not because he is black, its the fact that 1. lack of experience and 2. No matter what he claims I believe he is muslim. I mean look at his name for God sake. Does anyone remember 911??? I for one don’t trust the man and I dont believe he is christian no matter what he says.

T.J.

It’s not the fact that he is black, its the fact that he is a muslim, no matter what he claims. I just don’t trust the man.

Manuel

Remember 9-11?
How about remembering who committed mass murder on 9-11, Osama Bin Laden – where is he? Are we even still looking for him?

7 years later and this hapless administration still can’t find this one murderer. World War II didn’t even last this long and we were fighting on two front (three, with North Africa).

sharon blackburn

T. J. you can call an aardvark a dog, but that won`t make it bark. Names and labels are for small minded people.

mustafa

this cartoon is fantastic!

not because I believe it is true — I mean, Obama is certainly not a terrorist — but because I can totally see Barack Obama showing up on Saturday Night Live and doing this exact sketch………. Booh Yah!! wah hoo wah hoo

David

Does anyone actually read the New Yorker?

*yawn*

Alejandro Salazar

How about if New Yorker put McCain and his wife in this very cartoon. That would make no sense. Is there grain of truth in the cartoon with Obamas and that is why it is a problem. Otherwise shrug it off. No big deal

Ed Lyell

I only wish that I was a New Yorker subscriber so that I could cancel my subscription over this. One of the worst things I have watched the media do in my over 60 years.

Toni

I am appalled at the New Yorker’s poor judgement. Just reading the comments makes me realize how badly this could impact the Obama campaign – people are unfortunately far too ignorant to ‘get it.’
Sattire is great – but why fuel the ignorant fire of hate and fear? I remember 9-11 only too well – and Obama was not the one assisting Bin Laden’s Saudi family out of the country via Airforce planes – that would be Bush and Daddy Bush. Wake up America – McCain represents everything this horrible administration brought us the past 8 years – you want more??

nathen

Its a said day when democrats – confronted with the truth – continue to dodge reality. I congratulate the New Yorker for having the balls to pointing out the realities of images. Granted their point was to help the democrats; it really is an eye opening window to what the Obama people truly are – a bunch of side-stepping, politically naive, liars who can not recognize an image for what it is, especially when its been designed to help them out. If this is any indication as to what will truly make up an administration led by these horribly ill guided liberals is the day that the United States will really be weaker for it. My vote is cast for the stronger man – John McCain, who can see the forest for the trees.

Dustin M Pardue

I think Bill Maher said it best: “If you still think Barack Obama is an Islamic terrorist, then you might be a redneck.”

McCain Supporter

If it doesn’t hold some truth, then why is it so offensive? The man had a problem wearing a flag on his lapel until 3 months ago. He wouldn’t put his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. He wouldn’t recite the Pledge. Why does he want to be our president? His wife is so disappointed with our country; we as the American people are very stupid people if we put this man in the White House just because we want a black president. He is not a Martin Luther King ,Jr we need to wait for someone worth being our leader of the country.

Additionally, if he was such a great Christian, then why did he attend Rev. Wright’s church for many years?

My vote is for the better man, John McCain…..Go McCain.

M Jones

This is the most outrageous satire in the history of politics. This supposed cartoon may be the return of racist satire of the southern American reconstruction era in which blacks were labeled as watermelon eating clowns.

D M

Once again, The New Yorker has used extremely poor judgment if their use of what they term a ‘satirical’ cartoon. While the inside article may be supportive of Senator Obama, many people don’t see past the cover of a magazine. This portrayal of the Obamas just fuels the fires of ignorance, racism, bigotry, and religous hatred from which this country needs to set itself apart. I am still sifting through the rhetoric for the positive things that each candidate has to offer before making my final selection in November. This is not an easy task when offensive drawings such as this are what is being offered to the public as ‘opinion’ or ‘informational’. Hopefully and thankfully, most people will be able to ignore this type of ‘trash politics’ before they make their way to the polls. Portrayals of either candidate as Un-American no matter what their heritage, religious, or personal beliefs are utterly repugnant. I can now gain about as much reliable information from The New Yorker as The National Enquirer.

Demetra Shelton

Regarding his religion. Who gives a crap? It is none of your business what his religion is and it is none of my business what your religion is. Church and state–separate, remember? Your religion does not dictate the white house or politics, get it? This religious zealotry is why the republican party has gone so far off course that it’s in sane and sanity and reason should be requirements and expectations to lead a nation. Can we re-instill intellect, science, morality and rule of law?

Andresiovich

Obama yo mama! The chickens have come home to roost, to quote the might Rev. Wright.

james

I do not think it actually is especially harmful. This is the steepest satire in the history of politics.
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jamesKnox Leon

Dr. Fill

Right off the top I want to say I do not support Obama, but I certainly do not support the conservatives who are trying to spread unfounded stupid stuff about him.

So, here comes an article (and, oh my gosh, a satirical cover) about the wacky right and their effort to paint Obama as being some sort of Muslim Manchurian Canidate.

This article is getting WORLD WIDE COVERAGE. Every article I have read about the New Yorker magazine mentions the CONTENT of the article and the REASON for the satirical artwork.

So, what do you humorless, PC obsessed progressives do. YOU BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU. All over the blogs and comment sections of websites, you are doing your best to make yourselves look like a bunch of mindless hicks.

Today you have the LARGEST worldwide coverage that I’ve seen yet that deals with the Rush Limpdumb tactics of organized chaos, the religious rights paranoid fear of a middle eastern name, the corporate hold on certain media outlets, and you can’t even take one moment of your selfish lives to show a united front.

I Jan. 2007, the cover of the New Yorker had a satirical drawing of Bush as Nero, fiddling as the country burned. Where was the outrage then? Of course there wasn’t any.

Yep, and your crowning glory will be the DNC convention in Aug. in Denver, when the remaining zombies in your party finish your self-loathing souls off, while you try to re-create your last failed attempts of getting a little face time on national tv.

I CAN’T STAND McCAIN, and I will not vote for him. But you cannibals are not doing ANYTHING that makes me want to consider joining your platform. I wouldn’t be able to treat people the way you do. Human flesh doesn’t taste that good, it’s just too nasty.

Richard Russell

The New Yorker July 21, 2008 Cover

The illustrator’s attempt at satire falls woefully short of the mark and in this day and age can only be described as most offensive, distasteful and hopefully one of its kind. If the intention is to next reflect on the cover an aged puffed cheek John McCain sitting bent over in a wheel chair with a shawl over his shoulders and a bit of spittle on his chin, the New Yorker will have gone full circle and accomplished what I had hoped the publication had long sought to avoid, marriage to the New York Post.

Caroline B

Thank you James. Your comment is perfect. “The Onion” type humor doesn’t tickle everyone’s funny bone. It was discussed on the radio today, and what was needed is that cartoon in a “thinking balloon” of a frightened rube. Maybe then more people would have seen the humor.

Peggy Nelson

More disturbing than the New Yorker cover is the apparent lack of understanding by many citizens of “satire” and “irony” in our culture…
the dumbing down of cultural humor ( some TV adult cartoon shows) has rendered true satire tough to come by and is a sad
commentary on humor in our daily lives.

I’ve been a New Yorker reader since the 1950’s…some covers I understand,
some I don’t and have to really think about it, some drop me in my tracks with either laughter or deep appreciation…the Obama cover does, in my
opinion, hold up the mirror to the absurdities of the attacks by his critics.

How I vote or who I support matters to no one but myself. I do appreciate the “mirror” dispelling racial and sterotypical diatribes. I am, however,
asking myself….can a person who wants to be President and yet, does not laugh at satire or appreciate irony survive being President? I’m not sure
about a person who doesn’t laugh at him or herself and who can’t see humor in being or becoming President… if you can’t laugh at those absurdities , it will sure make a long day in the Oval Office.

Monte

The New Yorker’s goal was to support Obama with reverse propaganda. They expected readers to say “that is so funny it can’t be true.” The plan backfired. More and more people are questioning Obama’s history and credentials and will likely vote McCain as a result. This cartoon simply puts a glimmer of doubt in the minds of potential voters.

Call it poor, unethical judgment or call it what it really is: Freedom of Speech.

Dr. Fill

Comment by Richard Russell — July 15, 2008 @ 8:46 am “The illustrator’s attempt at satire falls woefully short of the mark and in this day and age can only be described as most offensive, distasteful and hopefully one of its kind. If the intention is to next reflect on the cover an aged puffed cheek John McCain sitting bent over in a wheel chair with a shawl over his shoulders and a bit of spittle on his chin, the New Yorker will have gone full circle and accomplished what I had hoped the publication had long sought to avoid, marriage to the New York Post.”

Well, some people would say you got your wish a long time ago BUT YOU MISSED IT.

Mark J

The real issue should be why does the New Yorker have such disdain for the average person?

Caroline B

To Peggy N: Both candidates condemned the cartoon. Did Hillary have a comment? Although I really don’t want to hear the sound of her laugh again.

Was anyone in Government brave enough to tell folks to lighten up? They are the ones who really have disdain for the average person.

To Mark J: The New Yorker doesn’t have disdain for the average person. My understanding is that most writers and cartoonist try to please themselves, and if you appreciate what they’ve done, everyone’s happy. An exception would be Ann Coulter, who is always struggling to be funny and ends up just plain nasty. What’s really interesting is that her books sell well. Has she made $$$millions entertaining “the average person?”

Bob Hofmann

The New Yorker cover cartoon is fantastic. It is a great comment – not on the Obomas, but on the people who are taken in by the lies about them. It puts the hate mongering liars in thier place very nicely like a mirror reflecting who they really are. Those who don’t get the satire probably don’t read the New Yorker. Those who believe the lies want to believe them and will be unchanged in any event. I’m proud of the New Yorker for printing this cartoon cover.

Yirmeyahu

Politcal humor or satirical pictures are a mainstay of history. During the Roman times, many times the would paint unto walls such satirical pictures. Pointing out things that the people saw, but those of nobles didn’t see.

In fact even William Shakespare’s plays at times had a ring of statircal humor of the court of the time. Taming of the Shew was one such play.

During the past history of all the world political humor was pointed and to the blunt end. But!! Now we have a satirical picture about Obama, which may or may not have some facts that are true or untrue. The Obama’s campiagn, which objects to about everything that is bought to bear about their messiah, yelling and screaming of racism or untruth. The Bards words come to mind. “Methinks that thou protests to much!”… My gut says.. there is things about Obama that are dirty little secrets that he is hiding… What was he before he became a christian? BTW.. Yes, your religion does have a bases of your actions… Say Obama was a Satanist!! Allot of people would not even vote for him cause of that… He was either what his father was or what his mother was…thats his core values.. Don’t just let the media show you the good side of anyone. They are the worst source of information. Like weatherman.. never really know what the weather will be until it happens.

Jim S.

How Funny to see the Liberals howl about two of “their’s” being lampooned.
Never a “peep” out of the leftys when outrageous and/or disrespectful
cartoons, articles. books, movies, editorials, etc., etc., etc., surface about conservatives. The New Yorker merely sums up the misgivings many of us have about this relatively unknown guy. One thing is known for certain. He has been running for the Presidency since the day he left Illinois, which takes mega-bucks just to Think about. Politics in Illinois are just about as corrupt as Louisiana. So, the question is: who’s “pocket” is Obama in? One thing for sure, a PFC serving in Iraq knows more about National Security
than this Jerk (Obama). Thanks for reading.

Caroline B

To Jim S.: I don’t see anyone getting getting their knickers in a twist over political cartoons. Aren’t they part of the game? The ones from the French Revolution were absolutely brutal against the monarchy. Those in powerful positions are always more vulnerable because they are the easy targets. In the case of the New Yorker, that was just a misunderstood joke against someone who has no power. McCain belongs to the party in power; that makes him an easy target. Of course, when it comes to racial problems, that will won’t be resolved for generations. Republicans have many skilled writers, and are very good at holding their own. Let’s give credit where credit is due.

Re: Corrupt politicians—I suspect most are corrupt or corruptible. That too is part of the game.

Do the PFC’s in Irag know McCain voted against the “too generous” G I Bill?
Do they know he gets $56,000 a year for being “disabled?” even though he tells us he’s as “strong as an ox?” Believe me, no one is perfect.